The VBAC Link

• Episode 423 Brianna's Redemptive Maternal Assisted Cesarean (MAC) + Making Big Changes in a Small Town

  Women of Strength, we are making waves. We are so excited to be sharing our second Maternal Assisted Cesarean story on the podcast today! There are so many beautiful details within Brianna’s entire episode that you will not want to miss. In the small town of Crosby, Minnesota with a population of less than 3,000, Brianna was the first MAC under a brand-new policy. About her birth, she says: “While I didn’t get my VBAC, I did get a redemptive and healing birth. It just goes to show that acceptance, advocacy, and will power go a long way! I never thought I’d be happy to be writing my testimonial after experiencing all C-section births. My first birth was in August of 2020 where she was breech. It was in the week following her birth that I jumped into all things VBAC. My second birth was complicated by preeclampsia where what was supposed to be my redemptive VBAC turned CBAC when my blood pressure wouldn’t cooperate. This birth was traumatic and gave me more grief than my first birth experience. This leads me to my third and final birth story where I changed providers at 20 weeks. I was active and proactive in my own mental and physical health. I ultimately decided that I wanted a Maternal Assisted C-section after seeing Paige’s story on The VBAC Link. I thought it would be nearly impossible in small-town Minnesota, but ended up finding my voice and a provider who was extremely supportive. In May 2025, my daughter was born in my hands in the OR. While my grief of not getting a vaginal birth isn’t gone, it is much quieter. And despite not getting my VBAC experience, I have found extreme peace and healing in the autonomy and active participation of my maternal assisted cesarean. I encourage all women who are experiencing grief with their birthing experience to get educated, find a supportive provider, keep an open mind, and to not give up.”The VBAC Link Podcast Episode 357 Paige’s MACThe VBAC Link Podcast Episode 220 Dr. Natalie ElphinstoneHow to Cope When You Don’t Get Your VBACHow to Heal a Bad Birth BookNeeded Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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• Episode 422 Elisabeth's VBAC + Navigating Resources, Research, & Different Personalities

  Why is it that most avenues of healthcare delay preventative intervention, but when it comes to birth, there is so much more of a fear-based “just in case” mindset? Elisabeth, her doula (and our TVL team member!) Ashley Marg, and Julie Francom talk about how most of the time we can trust the physiological process of birth, yet providers often don’t. Elisabeth’s first birth was a whirlwind. After pushing at 9.5cm for 4 hours and feeling extremely exhausted with a swollen cervix, she consented to a Cesarean. But in the OR, her fetal ejection reflex kicked in and the doctor realized she was complete— minutes after the spinal block had already been given. She managed one more push, then the numbness took over and contractions stopped. Baby was too high for a vacuum, yet low enough that her doctor needed to push baby back up for the Cesarean. As you can imagine, her recovery was difficult, but her fire to educate herself all about birth was ignited. Elisabeth knew things could be different and fought for a redemptive VBAC! Discussion topics: Post-dates, evidence-based info, fetal ejection reflex, swollen cervix, induction, membrane sweep, artificial rupture of membranes, birth tub, preeclampsia misdiagnosis, spinal block, doulaNeeded Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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• Episode 421 Jennifer's Special Scar (Inverted T) VBA2C with Gestational Diabetes & Signing an AMA + Faith Over Fear

  Jennifer is a mom to three boys, each born in a different decade. Her first birth started out spontaneously but, after going to the hospital early and experiencing many interventions, ended in an emergency Cesarean under general anesthesia with an inverted T incision.For her second birth, Jennifer was excited to try for a VBAC but learned about her special scar and, trusting her doctor’s advice, scheduled a repeat Cesarean.By the time her third baby came along, Jennifer was older, wiser, and ready to fight for the birth she knew was possible. With insulin-controlled gestational diabetes, she went into labor spontaneously and even left one hospital AMA to find the support she needed. Her determination paid off when she went on to have her VBA2C!Jennifer’s story is full of faith, courage, and the reminder that instead of being fear-based, our decisions should be ones that bring us the most peace.Discussion Topics: gestational diabetes, VBAC, special scars, inverted T, repeat Cesarean, VBA2C, general anesthesia, spontaneous labor, AMA, changing providers, operative reports, faith affirmations, baby aspirin, fast dilation, fetal scalp electrode, tachycardia, fever, decels, advanced maternal age, pitocin, epiduralNeeded Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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• Episode 420 Diana’s VBAC + Complicated Postpartum Recoveries & Support Options

  In today’s episode, Julie Francom talks with Diana, who shares her Cesarean and two very different VBAC stories. Diana’s journey began with a Cesarean birth including a velamentous cord insertion and a long, difficult recovery complicated by painful breastfeeding abscesses. For her second baby, she planned a home birth VBAC and euphorically welcomed her baby at home—only to need a hospital transfer for repair of a third-degree “starfish” tear. With her third, Diana prepared for another home birth and experienced her dream waterbirth VBAC with no tearing at all.While Diana’s third birth was physically healing, she faced unexpected emotional struggles afterward. She opens up about her experience with postpartum anxiety and depression, reminding us that healing is not only physical, but mental and emotional too.This episode brings important awareness to postpartum mental health and the resources available for support. Julie and Diana discuss the importance of community, professional help, and breaking the silence around postpartum mood disorders.If you had an unexpectedly tough recovery after your VBAC, know that you are not alone! Postpartum Support InternationalThe Postpartum Stress CenterPostpartum UniversityNeeded Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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• Episode 419 VBAC 101 & Doula Talk With Meagan, Lily, & Paige

  Did you know that The VBAC Link is made up of a whole team of VBAC doulas? Our Co-founder and Owner, Meagan Heaton, is joined today on the pod by TVL team members Lily (Director of Social Media & Community Engagement) and Paige (Production Admin & Community Liason) chatting all about questions we see from you in our community— topics like induction methods, providers, where to find info, prepping for VBAC, and the “why” behind everything we do!Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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